How will park closures affect​ athletes and summer leagues?

On March 25, Mayor John announced all Toronto playground equipment and other park amenities are off-limits.

Tory tweeted out that the closures of Toronto parks is “part of our continuing efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19.”

These closures also include sports fields, tennis courts, and dog parks.

Athletes and summer leagues will now have to look for alternative options to prepare themselves for the upcoming season.

Athletes like Sam Lebel now have to find another way to prepare for the upcoming season with baseball fields off-limits.

Lebel plays shortstop for the Humber Hawks baseball team and is coming off a very successful freshman year, winning OCAA Rookie of the Year, being selected as an OCAA League All-Star, and finishing off the year as an OCAA Champion.

Lebel says after hearing about the COVID-19 situation he has made changes to his training by switching to home workouts.

The Humber performance centre is doing its part to keep its athletes in shape and ready for their season, as they have made a 14-day training plan for their athletes.

“I’ve been following that daily and other various weights I have access to at my house, baseball specific training is not as easy to accomplish, but I’ve been able to throw outside,” says Lebel.

The Humber Hawks baseball season starts next fall in September. However, Lebel will be playing for the Brampton Royals 21u, which is his summer team until school starts up again.

“I am concerned for my summer season as it starts early May, it has definitely been a thought it may delay or cancel my summer baseball plans and that could affect my performance at Humber.”

The Toronto Baseball Association released this statement on their website regarding the COVID-19 virus:

“We recommend that all indoor and outdoor practices be canceled effective immediately until at least April 5. This is consistent with the actions undertaken by school boards, municipalities, and other sports organizations. We will reassess a recommended course of action as we get closer to that date.”

David Black, the president of the Toronto Baseball Association, says that he is waiting on receiving support from the Health and Government organization to make any further decisions.

“We are hopeful to return to safe play as soon as responsible and will be resourceful and creative in providing a platform that engages our parents, families, and stakeholders.”